Author: dmitriy.vasyura@gmail.com

Fortifications are being meticulously constructed near the city of Zaporizhzhia in preparation for a potential Russian offensive, though some Ukrainian commanders believe that Russia is not yet ready for a large-scale attack in this area.

Source: The Economist

Quote: "Ukrainian intelligence believes that Russia is gearing up for a bold assault on Zaporizhia city, 30km from the front. When exactly no one is clear, but it makes some sense. As one of three remaining centres of heavy industry in the country, the provincial capital remains crucial to Ukraine’s survival as a functioning state."

Details: The report states that new defences are being built in rings radiating outward from the oblast centre.

"The work is thorough — minefields, engineering obstacles, and structures made of concrete and iron — unlike the more chaotic picture in neighbouring Donetsk province, still the site of the heaviest fighting," the article says.

At the same time, not all Ukrainian military personnel consider an attack on Zaporizhzhia inevitable.

Colonel Oleksii Khilchenko, the commander of Spartan, a rapid response brigade, recently deployed to Zaporizhzhia, says Russia is tied up elsewhere. He stated that the Russians had planned to send two divisions (20,000–30,000 troops) for an initial assault, but half of them have been redeployed to Russia's Kursk Oblast.

A fighter with nom de guerre Lemberg, a battalion commander in the 118th Briigade defending southwestern part of Zaporizhzhia Oblast, shares this assessment.

"They (the Russians) aren’t ready to hit yet, but when they are, the first blow will be the hardest," he believes.

The Economist also highlights that Ukraine's challenges on the frontline are worsening, primarily due to personnel issues. The article notes a longstanding shortage of volunteers for military service, with the mobilisation campaign managing to recruit barely two-thirds of its goal.

"A senior Ukrainian official says he is worried the situation may become irretrievable by the spring," the article states.

The publication further emphasises concerns over the quality of recruits. Many of them are over 45 years old and face health issues, which complicates the situation.

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The powerful storm Bert brought a month's worth of rainfall to the British Isles in 48 hours. The storm caused flooding, loss of life and left 60,000 customers in Ireland without power.

About 400 areas are at risk of flooding due to Storm Bert, which brought heavy rain and wind to the UK. Several rail lines, bridges and roads have been closed. Several deaths have been reported. UNN writes about this with reference to The Independent.

Details

Storm Bert brought nearly a month's worth of rainfall in less than 48 hours. Strong winds, melting snow and heavy rains caused chaos and flooding in the UK, Scotland and Ireland.

In some parts of the north of the UK, snow covered the roads and blocked cars.

A 60-year-old man died in southern England after a tree fell on his car. Another body was found in the Conwy River near the town of Llanwrst in Wales.

The runway at Newcastle Airport in northeastern England was covered with snow, which briefly interrupted flights. In Scotland, some rail services were suspended due to the weather. The bridge connecting Wales with England was closed due to strong winds.

The storm also hit Ireland. Roads in the west of the country were flooded, and tens of thousands of consumers lost power.

The Irish Meteorological Service has issued a "red" – the highest level – rain warning for the counties of Cork and Galway.

In South Wales, flood water could be seen rising to the top of parked cars.

ESB Networks, the energy company that provides power to the whole of Ireland, reported that strong winds caused power outages in 60,000 homes, farms and businesses overnight, mostly in the west and northwest.

Recall

Catalonia is recovering from heavy rains in Barcelona and Tarragona that caused flooding, road closures and suspension of rail lines. Searches are still ongoing in Albacete and the Valencian Community; at least 215 people have been confirmed dead.

A hurricane is recorded for the first time in Finland: more than 17 thousand homes are without electricityNov 2 2024, 01:17 PM • 21679 views

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasises that the world possesses air defence systems capable of countering missiles like the one used by Russia this week to strike Dnipro. He underscores the need for global efforts to force Russia to seek genuine peace.

Source: Zelenskyy's evening address

Quote: "And no matter how much Russia tries to blackmail everyone it can, we must not lose our resolve, we must keep pushing, and only in this way will real peace become closer.

Today, Ukraine’s Security Service and the Ministry of Internal Affairs presented media agencies with fragments of the Russian missile that struck Dnipro. Experts are currently analysing the evidence and working with our partners to establish all the details and specifications of this missile, and to find a response together to this latest Russian escalation.

The world has air defence systems capable of countering such threats. Everyone must focus on this. Russia must feel that every step it takes to expand the war has consequences for it."

Details: Zelenskyy stressed that the world must not allow Russian leader Vladimir Putin to be "given a single week to adapt or find countermeasures".

"We must consistently do everything to force Russia into seeking peace – true peace. This can only be achieved through two things: helping Ukraine and pressuring Russia," he said.

Background:

• Ukraine’s Air Force noted that during the latest missile attack on the city of Dnipro, Russia used an intercontinental ballistic missile. Ukrainska Pravda sources reported that it could have been a Rubezh missile, a potential carrier of nuclear warheads.
• In his Thursday address, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin indirectly confirmed US reports, stating that during the morning attack on Dnipro on 21 November, Russia used the Oreshnik medium-range missile.
• On 22 November, Defence Intelligence of Ukraine announced that Russia had struck the territory of Ukraine on 21 November, using a ballistic missile, probably launched from the Kedr missile system.
• On 24 November, the AP agency published the photos of the remains of the Oreshnik missile that hit the city of Dnipro on 21 November.

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